Recipe: Drunken Noodle SaladHow long does it take? 20 minutesCategory: OmnivoreName: JoyceWhy is it a favorite meal? It's a great way to get the taste of one of my favorite eat out dishes at home, but it's even quicker and healthier than real Thai Drunken Noodles because the vermicelli noodles cook in a snap and the veggies are fresh, not stir-fried.

(*These ingredients should be available at your local Asian grocery store... and worth the purchase if you like cooking Asian-style dishes!)

DIRECTIONSBring a medium pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, cut up and prep all the veggies (a mandoline will make julienning go much quicker, but if you don't have one and want to save time on cutting, any bite size pieces or slices will do!). After cutting the veggies, prep the chicken and cut into small pieces (the smaller or thinner the pieces, the quicker they'll cook).

Combine all of the dressing ingredients and mix until the sugar dissolves, then set aside.

When the water is boiling, add the noodles and cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse with cold water until completely cool, then drain again and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped garlic and chicken and saute for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.

Add all of the sauce and the chopped basil and cook until the sauce is warm and the basil has wilted, about a minute, then turn off the heat.

To serve, place chopped romaine lettuce at the bottom of a bowl, followed by a handful of rice noodles. Add chicken and sauce. (Or, reserve all the sauce in a separate dressing bottle, giving guests the option to use as much or as little as they please, like dressing on a salad.) Top with the tomatoes and julienned vegetables, and garnish with a lime wedge.

VEGETARIAN OPTION:Replace chicken with a 15 oz. package of extra-firm tofu cut into cubes, and omit the fish sauce.

Thanks Joyce, and good luck! Readers, give Joyce a thumbs up if you like this recipe!